Alberni Valley: Things to Do in September

It’s that time of year again - back to school chaos, a crispness in the air, and the return to many routines. Why not take a breather from your endless “to-do” list and attend one of the Alberni Valley’s fun events? We have a list of festivals, music performances, comedy, and of course, the usual suspects like the Fall Fair, Toy Run, and Salmon Festival. There’s always something fun to do, so mark off the ones that interest you the most and have some fun this September!

Onezie Parade @Char’s

• When: September 1, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
• Where: Char’s Landing Hall and Hostel (4815 Argyle Street)
• Cost: $12

Start off the month with some great beats by a Nelson-based band that plays in both English and French. Described as “happy, dancy, original tunes” you can’t go wrong checking out these artists. (Event Information)

Wilds of Eldraine Prerelease (Magic The Gathering)

• When: September 1, 2:30pm - 7pm
• Where: Card Corner Games & Collectibles (5262 Argyle Street)

Come down for all the info on the new Wilds of Eldraine Prerelease. Beginners and seasoned players are equally welcome to immerse themselves in the lore of this strategic card game. The Commander Party and Friday Night Magic Commander events start at 6pm, so pop in for a bit or hunker down in the evening for a longer stay. (Event Information)

Friday Night Market

• When: Every Friday, 4 pm to 8 pm (seasonal, April through to October)
• Where: Harbour Quay (5440 Argyle Street)

Do you love going to markets but find it hard to leave your bed some mornings? The Friday Night Market could be your next favourite event. Vendors showcase food, arts, and crafts produced right there in the Alberni Valley. (Event Information)

The Salmon Derby

• When: September 2-4
• Where: Tyee Landing (3300 Harbour Road)

It doesn’t feel like September until you’ve checked a few things off your list, including attending the Salmon Festival and Derby. Cash prizes for the largest fish caught for each day, plus a grand prize of $ 10,000. (Event Information)

Port Alberni Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm
• Where: 6211 Cherry Creek Road

Come visit the Port Alberni Farmers’ Market at the old Cherry Creek School. Vendors have homemade crafts, homegrown fruits and vegetables, and plenty of baked goods. (Event Information)

Spirit Square Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Saturday, 9 am - 12 noon
• Where: Harbour Quay (5440 Argyle Street)

Come visit the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market at the Harbour Quay for all your locally grown and produced produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts! (Event Information)

Winter Wilson @Char’s

• When: September 7, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
• Where: Char’s Landing Hall and Hostel (4815 Argyle Street)
• Cost: $20

Join Kip & Dave as they present a wonderful folk performance. This duo has toured all over the world and has released several critically acclaimed albums. Be sure to see them before they head to their next stop! (Event and Ticket Information)

The Fall Fair

• When: September 7 - 10, hours vary by day
• Where: Fall Fair Grounds (4090 Hollywood Street)

A family-fun event each year is the Fall Fair. Grab the kids, your closest friends, or attend solo - you’re guaranteed a good time! Grab your tickets ahead of time to save a few bucks, or purchase directly at the gate. (Event Information)

Acoustic Boss @Char’s

• When: September 9, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
• Where: Char’s Landing Hall and Hostel (4815 Argyle Street)
• Cost: $20

Calling all Bruce Springsteen fans! Acoustic Boss is in town with a tribute to the American rock legend. Come on down to Char’s for a step back in time to enjoy some great music. (Event and Ticket Information)

Bulldogs Hockey

• When: September 9, 7pm to 10pm
• Where: Alberni Valley Multiplex

The Bulldogs are starting things off with a great game against the Nanaimo Clippers. Come down to the Dawg Pound to cheer on one of Port Alberni’s most loved hockey teams! Return on September 16 for their game against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. (Event and Ticket Information)

How to Overcome Stress and Perform at Your BEST

• When: September 9, 11am to 12:30pm
• Where: Virtual/Zoom

Take part in a 90 minute workshop to learn about a 3-step process to reduce stress and gain purpose in your life. (Event Information)

Send Air (Bike Jumping Event)

• When: September 10, 12pm to 5pm
• Where: Williamson Park (5081 Bishop Avenue)
• Cost: $25

What do you have when you combine three airbags, great coaches, and jumping bicycles? A great time! Sign up to secure your spot in this unique and fun afternoon activity. (Event and Ticket Information)

Patagonia’s Ian Skorscha @Char’s

• When: September 15, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
• Where: Char’s Landing Hall and Hostel (4815 Argyle Street)
• Cost: $15

Ian Skorscha is a travelling musician from Argentina, delighting fans with groundbreaking music about travelling across the Americas. Ian uses his songs to transport his audience through unexplored paths, providing a truly unique experience. (Event and Ticket Information)

The Toy Run

• When: September 16-17
• Where: Glenwood Sports Centre (4480 Vimy Street)

What began as a few guys collecting toys for the Salvation Army has turned into an iconic event in the valley. Over a thousand motorcycles make the trip through the valley, the rumbling roar of their bikes heard from blocks away. Afterwards, join everyone at Glenwood for a family-fun event and good eats, followed by a dance in the evening. (Event and Ticket Information)

Nevaeh Dyson @Char’s

• When: September 16, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
• Where: Char’s Landing Hall and Hostel (4815 Argyle Street)
• Cost: $15

Do you enjoy quirky, fun-loving folk tunes? Mark your calendar on September 16 for Nevaeh Dyson’s performance, centred around the art of storytelling. (Event and Ticket Information)

OK, DOPE Comedy Show with Damonde Tschritter

• When: September 20, doors open at 7pm
• Where: Dog Mountain Brewing Co (3141 3rd Avenue)

Itching for a laugh? The OK, DOPE Comedy Show is returning once again to the rooftops at Dog Mountain Brewing. Come out alone for a pick-me-up or grab a few friends to laugh over some drinks. (Event and Ticket Information)

AV Transition Town Monthly Meeting

• When: September 20, 6:00pm to 7:00pm
• Where: Char’s Landing (4815 Argyle Street)

On the third Wednesday of each month, the AV Transition Town Society meets to discuss practical solutions regarding Climate Change and Peak Oil. The meetings are about an hour long, with a movie, discussion, or presentation to follow if interested. (Event Information)

Alberni Co-Op Community day

• When: September 23, 11am to 2pm
• Where: Glenwood Sports Centre (4480 Vimy Street)

Families will want to bring the crew down to Glenwood for a few hours packed with fun activities and booths to check out, like mini golf, glitter tattoos, bouncy castle, and hot dogs to name a few. Don’t miss out! (Event and Ticket Information)

Electric Mermaid: Live Reads From Chars

• When: September 27, doors open at 6:30 pm
• Where: Char’s Landing Hall and Hostel (4815 Argyle Street)

This month, Electric Mermaid is proud to host Daniela Lorenzi, a writer from Victoria, BC. She has travelled through Canada and Italy and has written This Old House, which chronicles many of her life’s experiences. (Event Information)

Stealing Dan - A Steely Dan Tribute Brand

• When: September 29, 7:30pm to 10pm
• Where: Capitol Theatre (4904 Argyle Street)
• Cost: $40

This 10-piece band is not holding back in their Steely Dan tribute show. If you love 70s rock, you have to see this performance (Event and Ticket Information)

Saltspring’s Daryl Chonka @Char’s

• When: September 29, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
• Where: Char’s Landing Hall and Hostel (4815 Argyle Street)
• Cost: $25

Daryl’s music is described as “ocean-deep songwriting” with a warm and worldly rhythm. His band plays heartfelt folk music that sparks joy at every performance. If you’re looking for some good tunes, mark your calendar for this event. (Event and Ticket Information)

Alberni Giver Take Hare Scramble

• When: September 30 - Oct 1
• Where: Cold Creek Motocross Park

Interested in dirt bike races? Check out the next Hare Scramble event, divided into three difficulty levels so even beginners and kids can have fun! Check the link for more information on how to sign up or attend as a spectator. (Event and Ticket Information)

Sundown: A Gordon Lightfoot Experience @Char’s

• When: September 30, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
• Where: Char’s Landing Hall and Hostel (4815 Argyle Street)
• Cost: $25

Soulful melodies and beautiful lyrics mark an experience you won’t want to miss. Trevor Price, Bob Wilson, and Andrew McMillan are joining forces to bring the Gordon Lightfoot experience right here at Char’s Landing. (Event and Ticket Information)